Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for San Marcos
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your assigned neighborhood route.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected every other week on your regular trash collection day, following an alternating A or B week schedule.
Yard Waste
Green waste is collected every other week on your designated trash collection day (residents may place up to 12 paper yard bags next to the green waste cart).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day (by 6:00 AM from June 1 through September 30; set out no earlier than 5:00 PM the day before).
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and green waste services provided by Texas Disposal Systems are billed monthly on your San Marcos utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person, Drive-Through
Pro Tip / Discount
Residents aged 60 and older can apply for a late penalty exemption through the Senior Penalty Delay program. No direct low-income rate discounts are listed.
Standard TDS Cart Bin (Trash)
Place carts 3 feet apart with the lid arrows pointing toward the street. Set out by 6:00 a.m. (mandatory from June 1 - Sept 30) and return them to your house or behind a fence by 9:00 p.m. on service day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Bagged and sealed dusty materials or pet waste
Cart with a Tan Lid Bin (Recycling)
Items must be loose in the cart (not bagged). The lid must close. Up to 3 small cardboard boxes of extra recycling may be placed next to the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Empty and rinsed plastic containers
- ✓Metal and aluminum cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Paper, junk mail, and magazines
- ✓Flattened cardboard boxes
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Liquids
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Place in the designated Green Waste cart or in up to 12 paper yard bags next to the cart. Never use plastic bags for compostable materials.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Tree and shrub limbs (under 5 inches diameter)
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Soiled paper (like pizza boxes and paper towels)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Four times per year upon request.
Placement
Place items neatly by the curb (where carts are normally serviced) by 7:00 a.m. on the confirmed service day. Box or bag smaller items.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Carpet (cut into 4 ft. strips, limit 4 rolls)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances (Freon removed)
- ✓ Bundled brush (under 4 feet, under 35 lbs per bundle)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
- ✕ Concrete
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Loose, unbundled brush
Each scheduled pickup is strictly limited to 3 cubic yards. Any volume exceeding this limit or unconfirmed items left at the curb will not be serviced.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Texas Disposal Systems only observes three major holidays. If your regular pickup day falls on or after one of these holidays, your service will slide forward by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Bi-weekly green waste collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular garbage and recycling.
For all other holidays (like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Independence Day), TDS routes operate on their normal schedule without any delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June - SeptemberDue to extreme summer temperatures, San Marcos enforces a strict summer service schedule. From June 1 through September 30, all garbage, recycling, and green waste carts must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. to accommodate early truck routes.
Winter
JanuaryFollowing the holidays, Texas Disposal Systems offers a free recycling program for unflocked Christmas trees. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and metal stands are completely removed before setting the tree out or taking it to a drop-off site.
Spring
February - AprilCentral Texas spring storms frequently cause localized tree damage. Residents can utilize their free annual bulk pickups for bundled limbs (under 4 feet and 35 lbs) or take up to five cubic yards of covered brush to the TDS Creedmoor site once a month.
Local Tips & Community Info
Give Your Cans and Bottles a Second Life in San Marcos (and Get Paid!)
Hey San Marcos neighbors! While our regular recycling is great, did you know you can actually get cash back for certain items? Keep an eye out for Texas's "Buyback Center" programs. These spots often take aluminum cans and plastic bottles, turning your empties into some extra spending money. Check the state or local government websites for a list of redemption centers near the San Marcos area. It’s a win-win: your recyclables get another chance, and you get a little treat!
Don't Trash It, Donate It! San Marcos Gives Goods a New Home
Got items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Before they end up in the bin, think about donating them right here in San Marcos! Local charities and thrift stores are always on the lookout for gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods. Places like the Hays County Food Bank sometimes accept donations that can help folks in our community. Giving your old stuff a new purpose feels good and helps out your neighbors.
Keep San Marcos Beautiful: Tackling Trash Talk and Community Sparkle
We all love a clean San Marcos! If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's a good idea to let the city know so they can address it. You can usually report this through the city's official website or by calling the appropriate department. Also, keep an ear out for community cleanup days that pop up around town. These events are fantastic ways to get involved, meet fellow residents, and make a tangible difference in our shared spaces. Let's work together to keep our city looking its best!
Drop-off Facilities
Green Guy Recycling
937 Hwy 80, San Marcos, TX 78666
Materials Accepted
TDS Brush Site (Creedmoor)
3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor, TX 78610
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have more recycling than my tan-lidded cart can hold?
If your recycling cart is full, you do not need to wait two weeks. You can place your extra recyclables in up to three small cardboard boxes and set them right next to your cart on your scheduled recycling day.
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in San Marcos?
You must call the Resource Recovery Office at 512-393-8412 at least two business days before your normal garbage day. You get four free pickups a year, maxed at 3 cubic yards per pickup.
Does my trash pickup time change during the summer?
Yes. To avoid the extreme heat, the City of San Marcos requires all residents to place their trash, recycling, and green waste carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. between June 1 and September 30.
Can I throw tree branches in my garbage cart?
Vegetative waste should not go in your regular trash. Small branches (under 5 inches in diameter) should go in your green waste cart or in up to 12 paper yard bags placed next to it. Larger branches must be bundled and scheduled for a bulk pickup.